Leica SL2 vs Sony A7R IV

Leica SL2 and Sony A7R IV both have unique specifications with full-frame sensors and mirrorless interchangeable lens. Leica SLL2 was launched in November 2019, and Sony A7R IV was introduced in July 2019. Both cameras have a tough company with each other; Leica SL2 has a resolution of 46.7 MP compared to the Sony A7R IV with a resolution of 60.2 MP. In the following article, we will discuss the similarities and differences between Leica SL2 and Sony A7R IV. 

What are the similarities?

Leica SL2 and Sony A7R IV have many features that allow you to take your photography to the next level. The following are some of the similarities between Leica SL2 and Sony A7R IV.

  • Both have mirrorless interchangeable lens
  • Both have weather sealing body
  • Both have electronic viewfinder of 5760k dots

What are the differences?

The following are some of the significant differences between Leica SL2 and Sony A7R IV.

Sensor

Leica SL2 and Sony A7R IV both feature a full-frame sensor but differ in size. The sensor area of Leica SL2 is 2 percent larger than Sony A7R IV. Both cameras have the same format factor of 1.0.

The size of the sensors matter for a photographer. It has a significant impact on image quality. A large sensor allows the photographer a more comprehensive dynamic range and richer color-depth than the small-sized sensor. Also, a large sensor camera gives control over depth of field to the photographer. 

The sensitivity range of Leica SL2 is from ISO 100 to 50,000 and can be increased to ISO 50 to 50,000. In contrast, the sensitivity range of Sony A7R IV is from ISO 100 to 32000 and can be increased to ISO 50 to 102400.

Resolution 

Sony A7R IV features a smaller sensor but has a higher resolution range of 60.2 MP than the Leica SL2 of 46.7 MP. Due to higher resolution, Sony A7R IV has higher pixel density and features the pixel pitch of 3.76um while Leica SL2 offers a pixel pitch of 4.30um. Leica SL2 is the latest and modified model compared to Sony A7R IV, so SL2 also benefits from advanced technology. 

Print size 

The print size feature of Leica SL2 is divided into three parts; for good quality output with 200dpi print size amounts to 106.3 x 70.9 cm or 41.8 x 27.9 inches, for very good quality output with 250dpi print size amounts to 85 x 56.7 cm or 33.5 x 22.3 inches, and for excellent quality output with 300dpi print size amounts to 70.8 x 47.3 cm or 27.9 x 18.6 inches.

On the other side, Sony A7R IV is also divided into three parts; for good quality output with 200dpi print size amounts to 120.7 x 80.5 cm or 47.5 x 31.7 inches, for very good quality output with 250dpi print size amounts to 96.6 x 64.4 cm or 38 x 25.3 inches, and for excellent quality output with 300dpi print size amounts to 80.5 x 53.6 cm or 31.7 x 21.1 inches.

Shutter speed

Some cameras have an only electronic shutter, but some have both electronic and mechanical shutters. Reports say that shutter speed depends on the usage of a mechanical shutter. Leica SL2 and Sony A7R IV both cameras feature electronic shutter. Furthermore, it is not suitable for moving objects photography because, in this mode, there is a risk of rolling shutter and flickering. Both Leica SL2 and Sony A7R IV have an intervalometer built-in, which helps time-lapse shooting. 

Video

Several modern cameras not only feature photos but also offer to record videos. Leica SL2 and Sony A7R IV both have sensors to capture moving pictures, but Leica SL2 has a higher frame rate than the Sony A7R IV. Leica SL2 provides its users with the feature to record video at 4K/60p, but the Sony A7R IV can shoot 4K/30p.

Design and weight

Leica SL2 and Sony A7R IV have a huge difference in size and weight, but both have a stylish look. Leica SL2 is 21 percent larger and 30 percent heavier than the Sony A7R IV. The numerical body specifications of Leica SL2 are 146 mm in width, 107 mm in height, and 42 mm in depth with a weight of 953g. On the other hand, Sony A7R IV is 129 mm in width, 96 mm in height, and 78 mm in depth with a lighter weight of 665g. 

Leica SL2 being modified model has improved latter with an IP54 certification. Leica SL2 and Sony A7R IV also feature weather-sealing and dust resistant ability so you can use them in harsh and severe weather conditions.

Connectivity 

Both the cameras have a USB charging port providing you with the convenience of charging during your long journey.

Leica SL2 and Sony A7R IV both feature dual card slots and provide its users with the benefit option if a memory card failure. Both the cameras support UHS-II cards, which offer high-speed data transfer of 312 MB/s. Both the cameras also provide a hot shoe port, internal microphone, internal speaker, microphone port, headphone port, Wifi support, and Bluetooth support. Sony A7R IV also provides an additional NFC connectivity support, which Leica SL2 doesn’t. Leica SL2 and Sony A7R IV provides professional photographers with a PC sync socket that allows them to control strobe lights with a camera. 

Price

Sony A7R IV was launched at a low price and is 42 percent cheaper than Leica SL2. The price is an important section in the decision-making process of anything. Leica SL2 is expensive, but later, when the replacement model comes, there will be a fall in price.

Final verdicts

You can easily decide with the upper detail that which camera has more specifications and offers more reliability. It depends on your preferences to choose a camera.

Both the cameras have approximately the same features, but if your priorities are lightweight and small size, then Sony A7R IV will be the best option for you as it is not expensive as Leica SL2.

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